Uniquely defined

n ! = n 2 + n 3 2 \LARGE {{\color{#3D99F6}n}{\color{#D61F06}!} = {\color{#3D99F6}n}^{\color{#D61F06}2} + {\color{#3D99F6}n}^{\color{#D61F06}{\frac{3}{2}}} }

Find the sum of value(s) of positive integer n n .

This problem is a part of the set Easy Factorials .


The answer is 4.

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2 solutions

Let n be a natural number. L.H.S and R.H.S will be natural number. Therefore n should be a square number. Let √n = x then the equation can be rewritten as

x 2 x^{2} != x 4 x^{4} + x 3 x^{3}

x 2 x^{2} ( x 2 1 (x^{2}-1 )!= x 3 x^{3} ( x + 1 x+1 )

( x + 1 ) ( x 1 ) (x+1)(x-1) ( x 2 2 ) (x^{2}-2) != x ( x + 1 ) x(x+1)

( x 2 2 ) ! = x x 1 (x^2-2)! = \frac x {x-1}

As x x is a natural number L.H.S and R.H.S will be natural number.(except at x=1 as 1/0 is not defined.)

x/x-1will only be natural when x = 2 therefore n= 4.

Moderator note:

Great algebraic manipulation on factorials. Well done!

Evan Bagel
Apr 16, 2015

Pure algebra can be applied. Manipulate the formula to read as follows: ((n!-n^2)^(⅔))=n. Obviously n!-n^2 must equate to some x in the set Z+ such that x>3 because then a cube root can be taken. Upon testing numbers, we only haven to test 4, 5, and 6. We see that x=4 satisfies the equation. Upon analyzing the results for x=5 and x=6, it is clear that any x>4 cannot satisfy the equation. Thus x=4 is our only solution, or rather n=4.

Moderator note:

This solution has been marked wrong. How can you conclude that "Upon analyzing the results for x=5 and x=6, it is clear that any x>4 cannot satisfy the equation."? Why shouldn't we test for x=7,8,9,...?

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